Blackpool Shelter

UrbanLab designed this swiveling wind shelter as a small but exciting landmark for a seafront landscape along the South Shore Promenade in Blackpool, UK. The design rotates according to the prevailing wind direction to shield occupants from the elements. The design of the shelter aerodynamically displaces the wind as it moves across its bow, while the built-in wind vane assures the shelter's positioning directly into the prevailing wind. When the wind blows, air inflates Kevlar "cushions" for sitting on and leaning against. These cushions provide a comfortable soft surface for sheltered visitors. In addition to its high strength to weight ratio, Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic is chosen as the structural and finish material of the shelter’s exterior because of its ability to withstand hostile environments, particularly those in which blown sand and seawater are present. Strengthened carbon fiber edge-beams allow the lightweight shell structure to resist extremely high wind pressure.